25 May 2016

Share this story

St Albans residents are being encouraged to give feedback on the concept design for their new community centre.

Over the next few weeks they will be invited to discuss how they think the new community centre could enhance St Albans and how they see themselves using the facility ahead of the Shirley-Papanui Community Board approving the final design in July.

Construction of the new centre is scheduled to begin in 2017.

The current design concept has been developed by the community, alongside Christchurch City Council and the St Albans Community Centre Working Party, using information first gathered in 2010 when an expansion to the previous community centre was being planned.

The previous St Albans Community Centre was demolished after sustaining severe damaged in the Canterbury Earthquakes, and a transitional community centre has been operating at the Colombo St site since 2012.

This temporary facility was intended to be operational for two to five years until construction of a permanent replacement could get underway.

Mike Davidson, Chair of the Shirley–Papanui Community Board, said the Board was excited with the development and progress of the new centre and was looking forward to the design going out for public consultation.

"Throughout the Community Board's engagement with residents and community groups there was a very clear desire to replace the old community centre, so the St Albans Community Centre Working Party was formed," Mr Davidson said.

The working party is made up of representatives from the St Albans Residents Association, St Albans School, Edgeware Business Association, St Albans Pavilion and Pool Group, a youth representative and representatives of the Shirley–Papanui Community Board.

"Using information from both pre- and post-earthquake, a design has been created that truly captures the essence of St Albans. This group has worked with Council staff to create a concept design, which is now ready for feedback from the wider community." Mr Davidson says.

The public can comment via Have Your Say or by filling out a submission form at the transitional St Albans Community Centre.

There will be two drop-in sessions at the transitional St Albans Community Centre, 1049 Colombo St for the public to come and meet the working party and discuss the project. The drop-in sessions dates and times are:

• Wednesday 8 June, 11am–1pm

• Thursday 16 June, 6pm–8pm